Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Portia Clark Duets With Darius Rucker on “Ready to Fall”

Zambian-born, Perth-based singer Portia Clark has teamed up with Darius Rucker for a gorgeous new country single “Ready to Fall.” Portia met the Hootie & The Blowfish singer by chance backstage in Minneapolis. She pitched the idea of collaborating then and there, something they talked more about when Darius toured Australia in 2018. Portia later flew to Nashville to lay this song down.

I love the way Portia’s powerful, pure voice matches Darius’s unmistakable warm delivery. Hopefully, his inclusion will introduce our adopted Aussie’s talents to a few more folks around the world.

Portia is currently working on a new live show saluting great women through musical history. With her versatile voice, I imagine it’ll be fantastic!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tia Gostelow Takes Acoustic Album Launch Online

The COVID-19 pandemic put the pin in the concert experience as we knew it, and even here in Australia where cases are relatively low, the industry is still getting back on its feet. I miss the rush of being in a crowd, but I have loved coming together with music fans around the world for virtual gigs. Sharing that online space with fans I wouldn’t normally see shows with has been really special. I thought as the local industry recovered, those gigs would go by the wayside, but I’m thrilled to see Tia Gostelow allowing fans to enjoy the best of both worlds next month.

Chrysalis dropped back in October, but Tia’s virtual acoustic launch show is an exciting chance for people all around the world to hear its songs in a more stripped back, organic way. Tia is also promising some old and new fan favourites and a few surprises too. Tickets for the livestream are available here. The Aussie stream happens on February 5 at 7pm AEST (that’s 8pm in New South Wales and Victoria). The ticket website also has separate stream times for Europe and the United States.

If you happen to be in Brisbane, you can see Tia that same night in full-band mode at Fortitude Music Hall’s A Carry 4 Coins show. Featuring the likes of Camp Cope, WAAX, Emily Wurramara, and Mo’ju, this year’s event raises funds for Black Rainbow. Check out more about this organisation, which looks to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ individuals, here. And as for the tickets, you can get those here!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Space Between” – Illy

I’ve spent most of this week crushing on The Space Between, Illy’s long-awaited sixth album. I’ve always loved the way he creates music which is so thoughtful and positive. This album’s his most introspective yet, with tracks offering a fascinating insight into his thoughts and experiences.

“The Space Between is about change. How much there is from one point to the next, and how those trips – not the destinations – define us,” he explained. “My music has always been about real life, and since last time we spoke, mine happened between albums, relationships, parties, therapy, triumphs, breakdowns, celebrations, mourning … all of it.

“I learnt a lot. About me and people around me. Who’s there for a good time, who’s there for a long time, and who was never really there at all. I learnt to keep it moving, but also to stop and appreciate where you’re at, because the one constant is change. I’m thankful for all of it. It all made this album.”

While this album isn’t as consistently upbeat as many of Illy’s other recordings, I think it’s the album we need right now when the world is so challenging. And while there’s some darker material, there are still definitely those moments to party! While I love what Illy creates solo, the collaborations on this album are really off the chain. While I have a soft spot for “Loose Ends” with G-Flip and “Lean on me” with Robinson, I think my favourite is the current single “Mirror,” featuring American singer-songwriter Wrabel. It’s so raw and powerful, a true indication of the diverse music Illy treats us to on this album.

Check out this song, but don’t stop there. The Space Between is out now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Nick de la Hoyde’s Dreamy New Single, “Night Stuff”

Sydney singer-songwriter Nick de la Hoyde has given me all the feels with his latest single “Night Stuff.” I’ve been listening to new music all day waiting for something to hit; something like this sweet synthy pop number.

The track is about those sleepless nights we’ve all spent, tossing and turning while thoughts of that special someone race through our minds. It’s so relatable and real, and I can’t say enough good things about it.

More like this please!

Image used with permission from Gatcombe Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELKI Releases Uplifting Pop Smash, “Spend Your Life”

Mondays are hard work, but ELKI has just what the doctor ordered. Her smashing new pop single “Spend Your Life” is an uplifting track with cool Scandi vibes.

After spending 2020 working in a mental health institution, ELKI knew her return to music had to make a difference to people. And so, she dropped this track, which she believes is “something different and important … a mental health song that jump-starts action and gets you out of a rut.”

I think I could listen to this song anywhere and love it, but ELKI insists “It’s a song to listen to while you’re moving. Get up from your
desk and jump in your car. Blast it with the windows down, with fresh night air on a lonely freeway.”

You heard her! Crank this up, have a dance and get those feel-good endorphins flowing!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lakelend Shines Bright With “Supernova”

Melbourne pop act Lakelend has got me grooving with his latest single “Supernova.” This is an irresistible synthy pop track that takes its cues from acts like Lauv, LANY, and The Chainsmokers. It’ll definitely get you dancing, but its romantic lyrics might tug at your heartstrings too!

“Sometimes that new person falls into your lap when you least expect it. A breath of fresh air. Something that you haven’t experienced before,” Lakelend explains of the song’s inspiration. “I was all in. Never in my life had I experienced a love for someone that built up so incredibly quickly. I think it’s only human to return love and affection if it’s received well and is something you’re capable of giving back. In hindsight, there were certain moments that I was blind to everything happening around me. My close friends, my family and even my own goals and ambitions. I don’t regret it, but I’m just being honest.”

“Supernova” is only Lakelend’s second single, but he’s already showing big promise.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boleyn Releases Provocative Single, “Violence”

Sydney pop act Boleyn smoulders with his latest single “Violence.” It’s got such a cool, soulful sound and lyrics that confront and make you think about how we get what we want out of relationships.

Boleyn explained the song came about after a frank conversation with a friend. “’If he loves me, why won’t he hurt me?’ A friend was complaining her partner wasn’t being aggressive enough in the bedroom and that seed buried itself in my mind. ‘Violence’ is fundamentally about consent. How do we communicate our sexual needs? What boundaries do we set? How is that expressed? What anxieties do we harbor about communicating our true desires? ‘Violence’ is about letting go everything except your needs and communicating those with honesty – you want bruises? You want it to hurt? To leave a mark? Cool, I’m game – you just need to ask,” he explained.

If you love “Violence,” there’s more where that came from. Boleyn has spent the pandemic working on new material with Xavier Dunn (Peking Duk, Jack River, CXLOE) and Guy Stacey (GVY), so he’s got a stack of new material waiting to be unleashed. I for one can’t wait.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Celebrates “Parking Lots”‘ 15-Year Milestone

Mia Dyson is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her acclaimed album Parking Lots with a reissued vinyl release, a brand-new EP, called Parking Lots (Revisited) which reimagines some choice cuts, and a tour. All this excitement is a timely reminder of just how good that album is. While it was recorded so many years ago, the songs prove timeless. I found myself bouncing backwards and forwards between the original album and the new EP, marvelling at the way the different treatments brought out each song’s nuances. I encourage you to do the same.

The new white vinyl copies of Parking Lots were so popular that they sold out almost instantly, but you can stream the album and its companion EP now on your favourite platforms. There are still tickets left for her upcoming East Coast shows, but as COVID has reduced venue capacity, you’ll want to get in quickly to secure yours via her website.

12 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 March 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
19 March 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
20 March 2021 – TBA, Surf Coast
21 March 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges
26 March 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
27 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
28 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
1 April 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Full Steam Ahead for Pierce Brothers With New Single, Album & Tour

So many of us approached 2021 with a sense of optimism. The year might be looking like the same old shit, but I’m not ready to surrender just yet. So I’m seeking out music that puts a smile on my face, even as the world goes to hell in a handbasket. The latest track to get my toes tapping is “It’s Alright” from Pierce Brothers.

If any band will convince you it’s all going to be OK, it’s these guys. The song’s inception reminds us of the kind of world we’ll get back to. Jack Pierce penned the chorus in 2018, while he was trekking through the mountains of Switzerland. It sat in a drawer until brother Pat took it out recently, laid down the verses, and gave it a new bluesy feel. It’s got that upbeat, energetic folk feel that sweeps you along for the ride. If you’re into Nathaniel Rateliff or Mumford and Sons, you’ll love this.

Pierce Brothers are forging ahead and doing all the things the pandemic has made so difficult. “It’s Alright” comes from the band’s sophomore album Into the Great Unknown, which will drop on March 5. They recently cancelled NSW shows, but not to be deterred they’re forging ahead with the following dates, including a few new gigs in regional Victoria. All shows have limited COVID-safe capacity, so grab those tickets before they sell out!

16 January 2021 – Moonah Arts Collective, Rye
22 & 23 January 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
30 January 2021 – The Wedge, Sale
13 February 2021 – Marlo Pub, Marlo
20 March 2021 – The Sheds, Wonthaggi
2 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

COTERIE’s Single “In the Fire” is Scorching

“In the Fire,” the latest single from Perth band of brothers COTERIE, is my latest song obsession. It’s such an earnest and emotional number, which builds to a fabulous rock crescendo. It also goes to show just what you can do away from a big studio.

“We’ve been recording at home in our garage for years, but this is the first time we’re releasing a home job!” admitted frontman Tyler Fisher. “We had written what I think was a great rock song, driving and swirling guitars and a lyric that put you in a different time and all that, but something just wasn’t sitting right. So we wrote another version … and another version …. and another … until all we had left of the original, was the chorus. At this point we called in one of our good buddies, Oscar from Holy Holy … With his production magic and all-round experience, we birthed something we’re all pretty proud of.”

I’m personally thrilled they kept the garage rock version. This song is so emotive, I think it might lose something if you smoothed its edges. This raw, powerful track also suggests just how good COTERIE are live. If you’re in Western Australia, catch them at the following shows.

15 January 2021 – Cool Perth Nights Rosemount Hotel, Fremantle
22 January 2021 – Bunbury Fringe Festival, Bunbury
6 February 2021 – Cockburn ARC, Cockburn Central
26-28 February 2021 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
6 March 2021 – Music in the Park, Kinross
27 March 2021 – By the C Festival, City Beach, Perth

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia